And Council members say they may issue a subpoena to force him to appear.
But the committee has issued a subpoena for him to appear.
They have no power to issue subpoenas or enforce them.
The change in status means that the commission can issue subpoenas.
But having now issued a subpoena, committee Republicans plan to make their own case before the judge.
Nearly two and a half years later, a Federal grand jury issued a subpoena for them.
They have left the committee no alternative but to issue subpoenas.
The majority can seek information simply by issuing a subpoena.
Prosecutors agreed and asked the judges to issue a subpoena.
The trade commission will issue subpoenas for testimony from oil executives beginning next week, the officials said.